How to Distinguish Between Engine Oil and Gear Oil?
2 Answers
Methods to distinguish between engine oil and gear oil are as follows: 1. Engine oil generally does not have a strong smell, while gear oil has a strong, pungent odor. 2. Use your finger to feel the viscosity by touching a drop of it. Engine oil is generally clearer and less viscous compared to gear oil. 3. Different working environments: Gear oil is mainly used in manual transmissions, reducers, and differentials, while engine oil is primarily used in car engines. Since gear engagement is line contact, gear oil must have extremely high viscosity to form an oil film at the gear engagement points. In contrast, engine lubrication involves mostly surface contact and does not experience the extreme high pressure generated during gear engagement, so its viscosity requirements are relatively lower. 4. Different focuses: Gear oil emphasizes protecting gears under high temperatures, while engine oil focuses on its fluidity at low temperatures. Additionally, gear oil is strongly alkaline, whereas engine oil is weakly alkaline. Engine oil and gear oil must never be mixed, as this can easily prevent machinery from achieving optimal lubrication and cause damage. 5. Engine oil has a lower grade than gear oil and is mainly for general lubrication. Engine oil has good viscosity-temperature properties, and its functions include lubrication, cleaning, and dispersion, presenting weak alkalinity.
I've been driving for over a decade, and confusing engine oil with gear oil is a big no-no. Engine oil is usually golden yellow and thinner, used for lubricating engine components; gear oil is dark brown and much more viscous, mainly for transmissions or differentials. To tell them apart, first check the bottle label—engine oil bottles say 'Engine Oil' or 'API' standards, while gear oil is labeled 'Gear Oil' or 'GL' grade. You can also feel the texture—gear oil is greasier. If you add the wrong oil, like pouring engine oil into the transmission, it'll increase noise, accelerate part wear, and cost you time and money to fix. My advice is to always check the manual before changing oil and follow the manufacturer's recommendations—it saves money, hassle, and keeps your car running smoothly. After all, proper maintenance means smoother driving.
